Utah United opens USL W League era with dominant 5-0 win over Albion Colorado
Utah United opened the men's USL League Two and women's USL W League season with back-to-back wins in a Thursday doubleheader at UVU's Clyde Field.
By: Utah United media services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OREM, Utah (May 22, 2025) — Utah United made an emphatic opening statement Thursday in its USL W League debut with a 5-0 victory over Colorado’s Albion SC at Clyde Field on the campus of Utah Valley University.
The first-year W League side with just five full-team training sessions before kickoff got two goals from Seven Castain, a goal and an assist from Ellie Walbruch, and goals from Tess Livingston and Erin Bailey to claim all 3 points at home — and set a high bar for the season to come.
Taylor Rath secured the shutout in goal for Utah United.
Quotable: Utah United head coach Scott Halasz
“Over the past week, the players have done a fantastic job creating a highly competitive training environment. It was exciting to finally get them out on the field and see them compete. This roster has talent on every line, and today we saw glimpses of what’s possible when we rely on the collective strength of the group over individual talent. Our goal now is to make that cohesion a more regular part of our identity.
“I’d like to extend my deepest thanks to Utah United’s ownership group — Mark Davis, Vess Pearson, Jerry Pennock, and Matt Walbruch — as well as Sporting Director Nuno Georgel, whose vision, commitment, and construction of this team made this opportunity possible. Their support has created an environment where the top collegiate players from Utah can stay sharp during the offseason and prepare for the next stage of their careers. This project wouldn’t exist without their leadership.”
Second Half Brilliance
Strategic halftime substitutions injected energy and proved immediately impactful. Ruby Hladek replaced Utah Valley teammate Sierra Pennock, and Utah State’s Tess Werts came on for recent North Carolina commit Bella Devey.
That led to the opening goal a minutes into the half, when TCU forward Seven Castain broke the deadlock with high pressure that forced a turnover deep in Albion’s half before finishing calmly a one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Moments later, Castain struck again. This time, she found the net from close range after a well-weighted assist from Hladek, putting Utah United ahead 2-0 and firmly in control.
The coaching staff continued their intelligent squad rotation. Ellie Walbruch replaced BYU teammate Lucy Kesler, while William & Mary’s Lilly Hall and Idaho State’s Tess Livingston entered for BYU’s Afton Perry and Utah’s Kelly Bullock, respectively.
The third goal showcased Utah United’s set-piece efficiency. Hall delivered a precise corner to Livingston, who powered home a header to extend the lead to 3-0.
Closing Strong
The introduction of recent Arkansas transfer Erin Bailey added yet another layer of attacking threat. Her link-up play and movement created space and momentum in the final third. She helped orchestrate the fourth goal — combining with Hall, who notched her second assist of the evening by setting up Walbruch for a composed finish.
In the final moments, Bailey put the finishing touch on a standout debut performance by scoring her first goal for the club — assisted by her former BYU teammate Walbruch — to cap a dominant and cohesive display.
Albion managed its only shot on target late in the match, but Utah United’s back line held strong in front of Rath to secure a clean sheet in the club’s historic debut.
Players of the Match
Seven Castain: The TCU attacker scored two goals, succeeding with a combination of relentless pressing, clinical finishing, and on-field leadership in the final third.
Lilliah Blum: The University of Utah winger played explosively on the wide margins, stretching the Albion defense and creating space for her teammates.
Utah United returns to Clyde Field on Tuesday, May 27 to host Colorado side Flatirons FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT, and all games are streamed live on Sportsengine Play.
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Do the college players play concurrently with Utah United? Or, they can't return to their college teams?